Quieting the Mind

The last few weeks has been incredibly chaotic; the holidays, the end of a school semester, doing some major housework and so on. While I have abandoned the usual schedule, some things have not left my mind. And now, this mid-part through January, it is time to resume personal organization.

One of the things that has escaped me, much to my dismay, is the ability to quiet the mind for a few moments each day. Meditation has become an important part of my day but over the last few weeks, I haven't made the time to be still; here and there, yes, but not daily. My stress level hasn't exactly been elevated due to this lack of meditation, but I can tell a difference.

So of quieting the mind; I finally took the time last night to simply be quiet. I had come home from a very busy and fruitful weekend and there had been a lot of external stimulation. So I set the tea kettle on and sat quietly for a few moments, embracing the quiet laced throughout my house. And I didn't think about anything. It wasn't exactly meditation, but I wasn't doing anything. Finding that kind of peace and quiet internally is important but yet it's so easy to ignore it or let it go.

Now that the holidays are tucked behind us and a normal schedule is about to resume, I think it's important to re-incorporate meditation practices into my life. So I have to ask, do you take time each day to think about nothing or in the least to think about those things in your life that you are appreciative? Do turn the external stimulation off and listen to...nothing? I know that for me, this is important and I have neglected it. While the damage has been minimal, it is still there, nonetheless. I find myself anxious and impatient and I neglect to live in the moment and enjoy what I have inside of each day. My brain starts spinning and I lose track of where I'm at and what I'm trying to do.

Deep breath...exhale...meditate and quiet the mind. Focus on nothing or one positive thing. Do not think of what needs to be done or what you want. Simply enjoy a few minutes each day, allowing your brain to defrag.